PRACTICAL SCIENCE FOR PRACTICAL SCIENCE FOR PRESCHOOLERSPRESCHOOLERS

Young children are natural scientist who Young children are natural scientist who observe the people, animals, and observe the people, animals, and

objects in their environment; conduct objects in their environment; conduct experiments; and report on their experiments; and report on their

discoveries.discoveries.

Science in the classroom is not only activities Science in the classroom is not only activities devoted to “doing science” such as growing devoted to “doing science” such as growing

plants or taking nature walks. Think of science plants or taking nature walks. Think of science as an ongoing part of the total curriculum, as an ongoing part of the total curriculum,

woven into daily activities and routines.woven into daily activities and routines.

Why is Why is science so science so important important for young for young children to children to experienceexperience

??

There are two parts There are two parts to science; to science; investigation and investigation and knowledge. knowledge. Although knowledge Although knowledge is important, is important, investigation is investigation is much more much more important. This important. This helps children learn helps children learn how to find answers how to find answers to questions.to questions.

During science During science activities children activities children learn by doing learn by doing which is the most which is the most effective way for effective way for young children to young children to learnlearn

They also develop They also develop skills in using their skills in using their senses which can senses which can be used be used throughout a throughout a person’s lifetimeperson’s lifetime..

Science skills are highly transferable and Science skills are highly transferable and can help in many other areas of knowledge can help in many other areas of knowledge and growthand growth

Finally children who participate in science Finally children who participate in science activities are able to exercise their creative activities are able to exercise their creative abilities without fear of being wrongabilities without fear of being wrong

There are There are three types of three types of

Science Science ActivitiesActivities

Formal ScienceFormal Science

Formal science Formal science experiences are experiences are planned by the teacher planned by the teacher to develop particular to develop particular skills. An example of skills. An example of this would be planning this would be planning for fine motor skills for fine motor skills development by development by including pouring and including pouring and measuring tools in the measuring tools in the sand and water areasand and water area

Informal ScienceInformal ScienceInformal science calls for little or no teacher involvement. Children work on their own, at their own rate, and only when they feel like it.

Incidental ScienceIncidental Science

Incidental science Incidental science cannot be planned. It cannot be planned. It may only take place may only take place one in a while. An one in a while. An example would be if a example would be if a tree falls in or around a tree falls in or around a nearby area. Children nearby area. Children can study/observe can study/observe roots of trees, the roots of trees, the growth rings in the growth rings in the tree, and even tree, and even examine the tree bark.examine the tree bark.